Published: 27 April, 2026 Person-centred care recognises the whole person, not as a patient or a medical condition, but as an individual with needs, values, and preferences. It is an approach that emphasises clients as active partners in their care, which is essential for effective diabetes management. Let’s explore why it matters and what person-centred care looks like in practice. Why person-centred care makes a difference People living with diabetes make daily decisions about food, medication, activity, and monitoring. They primarily manage their diabetes outside the clinic. As a health professional, you support and guide their journey. A review of key attributes of high-performing person-centered health organisations shows that person-centred care can lead to positive outcomes and experiences for individuals, health professionals, and health services, e.g., better treatment adherence and shorter hospital stays. In diabetes care, research shows person-centred approaches can improve glycaemic management and self-care behaviours. But more importantly, the greatest impact is in empowerment. When people living with diabetes feel heard, respected and involved, they are more likely to effectively self-manage their diabetes. What person-centred care looks like The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) Person-centred care toolkit outlines ten principles for person-centred care. These principles encourage health professionals to: see the whole person by understanding each client’s lifestyle, culture, beliefs and goals share decision-making by collaborating on care plans that are realistic and meaningful for the client communicate clearly and respectfully by explaining the care options, benefits, risks, and costs to allow clients to make informed choices support self-management by building clients’ skills and confidence through education and actionable advice. Examples of person-centred care Asking your client, “What is most important to you right now?” and letting their response guide the consultation. Co-designing a care plan that is tailored around a client’s daily work routine. Acknowledging a client’s feelings when they experience diabetes distress before focusing on the clinical approach. Adapting nutrition advice to respect culturally diverse food traditions and mealtimes. Asking non-judgmental questions about affordability. Strengthening person-centred care in your practice The NDSS Person-centred care toolkit offers two useful ways to enhance person-centred care at your practice. You can use these tools whether you are a sole trader or run a multidisciplinary clinic. The quality improvement tool (see page 9 of the toolkit) helps you assess the person-centred care at your practice, collect data, and use this information to plan, identify actions, and track progress. You can use the client survey (see page 30 of the toolkit) to gather anonymous feedback on your person-centred care to guide service improvements. You can conduct the survey online, on paper, or in-person. In this case, you will need to choose an appropriate interviewer (an impartial third party) to maintain privacy and confidentiality. Tailor your survey approach and questions for First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, people living in rural and remote settings, and children and young people, as needed. Better outcomes, better experiences Person-centred care is not a single intervention, nor does it require extra time. It simply requires a different focus. When you embed its principles into your diabetes care interactions, you can improve your client’s clinical outcomes and the experience you share.
